|
|
|
Cooling Tips
- Adjust the setting to 78-80 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Check & clean the air condition filters at least once a month.
- Keep the coils of an outdoor unit free of debris this include cutting back and/or removing plants, shrubs, etc.
- Make sure that the return air vent inside your house is not blocked by furniture or other items.
- Of course, keep all doors and windows closed when air conditioning is on.
- Carefully caulk and/or put weather-strip around leaky windows and doors.
- Install a ceiling fan or use a portable fan to supplement your air conditioning. The "breeze" from these fans will make you feel cooler.
|
|
Heating Tips
- Adjust the setting to 68-70 degrees.
- Check & clean the air condition filters at least once a month.
- Call a professional to inspect your your heating system annually.
- Call a professional to inspect and clean your ductwork annually.
- If you have a fireplace, make sure that the damper is closed tightly when not is use.
- Reverse the direction of ceiling fan blades to push warmer air down.
- Apply plastic sheeting or storm windows over old or leaking windows.
- Unless you have a gas or oil furnace, which needs air for combustion – keep crawl space vents closed in the winter.
- If you plan to be away for several days, turn the thermostat down to the lowest setting, but not off (to help limit the possibility of freezing pipes).
- Using a portable heater for “spot” heating lets you lower the temperature in the rest of the house, but using it too much can be costly.
- Lower the thermostat at night. A programmable thermostat make raise and lower temperature easy.
|
|
Water Heater Energy Tips
- Set your water heater thermostat to 120 degrees.
- Take showers instead of baths, saving on a average of 4-5 gallons of water.
- Wash clothes using cold water with a cold water detergent.
- Run your dishwashers only when you have a full load.
- Wrap hot water pipes with a low-cost insulation.
|
|
Household Energy Tips
- When in doubt microwave because microwave ovens use about half the power of a conventional oven.
- If you have to use the oven, remember to turn it off 15-20 minutes before the end of cooking time. Don’t open the door because the heat in the oven will finish the job.
- When the food on the burner begins to boil, turn it down to a simmer. At this low setting, the food more evenly and saves energy.
- Put your computer to sleep. Activate your computer and monitor’s power management features to power down when sitting idle.
- Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent lights whenever possible.
- Place insulators behind the electrical outlet cover plates to prevent air loss.
- Unplug your cell phone and PDA chargers once they’re done charging because they continue to draw energy even after the device is fully charged.
- Remember to turn off lights when leaving a room.
- Buy Energy Star appliances.
- Don’t run exhaust fans for more than 20 minutes.
- Install low flow showerheads (VIDEO – How to install a low-flow showerhead (open new window)
- Limit shower time to 10 minutes or less.
- Install a setback thermostat and reduce your home temperature when you are gone.
- Shrubs and trees around your house shade the windows in summer and protect from chilly winds in winter.
- Consider using an electric blanket instead of a space heater
- Install full blinds or drapes to make the home more comfortable in summer. Open them in winter to use solar energy as an additional heat source.
- Caulk and seal any gaps underneath baseboards to prevent indoor air from leaking out.
|
Solar Systems
- Install solar panels – Both federal and state tax credits can certainly reduce the initial costs.
- Install solar-powered swimming pool heater
- Lower your water heating bill significantly by installing a solar-powered water heater.
|
